Peacefully, surrounded by family at Bluewater Health on Saturday, January 13, 2024, Ruth Cavell Payne (nee Hart) passed away at the age of 88. Ruth was the beloved wife of John Payne, loving mother of Laverne (Philip) and Connie, devoted grandmother of Jeremy, Mitchell, and Nicole, greatgrandmother to baby Lucas. Ruth was predeceased by her parents William and Agnes Hart, her sister Irene James, (the late Woodrow James) and her brother, Norman (the late Jean Hart). Ruth was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. She came to Sarnia as a child with her family. She attended Sarnia Collegiate and focused on commercial studies. As a young woman she returned to live in Newfoundland where she met her husband John. Ruth and John eventually made Sarnia their home in 1974. She worked in administrative positions in various businesses in Newfoundland and in Sarnia. She ultimately left the work world to raise her family. Ruth's greatest joy was taking care of her family. She was a consummate homemaker, cook and seamstress, and ceramist. Ruth was always a gracious host of get-togethers and celebrations for family and friends. She traveled the world with her husband, John, and gained life-long friends in the process. As she would say, she lived a good life. Our sincere thanks go to the doctors, nurses, and the PSWs of Bluewater Health, who took care of Ruth during her illness. A funeral service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations can be made to Bluewater Health Foundation - Complex Cognitive Care Unit (cheques only at the funeral home, please).